Don’t Get Distracted
Focus On Jesus
“ But one thing I do [it is my one aspiration]: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead,
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The wonderful part about running a race is that the finish line is inevitable. The downside, however, is that as you are running it doesn’t always seems that way.
Imagine with me for a moment, after miles and miles of your feet pounding against the pavement as the sweat dripping from your brows stings your eyes, it may be difficult to focus on why you began. Moreover, it may be difficult to find a reason to continue.
Yours Truly, 2024.
You’re exhausted and uncomfortable. All you can think about is the glass of ice water you wish you had, the persistent ache in your calves, and the 10hr nap that’s awaiting you once the race is over. Your thoughts are consumed with the many things you do not have, and how much better everything would be if you did.
Yet still, your lungs protest this perspective as they expand with every breathe. Your heart roars with every beat, declaring it’s determination to press on, and your muscles, flex with each motion testifying of an enduring strength. Despite how it feels, you have enough to carry on, but perhaps you need to focus.
Let me be honest, I do not know much about about races, but one thing I’ve learned is that runners are taught not to look at their competitors, rather to keep their eyes on the race ahead. Why? Distractions. The split second that it takes to peer over your shoulder at an opponent can cause you to lose the race. It is for this very reason that blinders (also known as blinkers) are placed on race horses. It blocks out their peripheral view and limits their sight to what is directly before them.
“Dissatisfaction can be a distraction ”
I believe Jesus is calling us to do the same. Fix your eyes, heart, soul, and intentions on Jesus. Resist the urge to gripe, complain and count your losses because dissatisfaction can be a distraction. It is a tactic of the enemy to cause us to take our eyes off of our journey. It is his scheme to have us so caught up in what we do not have that we lose the ability to be grateful, but gratitude is necessary for this race.
Yes, your competitors are present and the finish line may seem far ahead, but turn your eyes up to Jesus who is the author and perfecter of your faith. Focus on your target and run well. I pray in the name of Jesus that God will place spiritual blinkers on you, so that your focus will be fixed on Him and Him alone. See you at the finish line, friend.
Prayer of Salvation
"If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."
- Romans 10:9 NIV
Today, God is asking you to return to Him and promising that he will accept you wholeheartedly. If you fit into this category, then I invite you to pray the prayer of salvation below. It is a verbal compassion that you believe Jesus is the son of God and you are asking him to wash away your sins and accept you into his kingdom, it is the acknowledgment that from this moment that you desire God to lead your life. Simply believe in your heart as you read this prayer aloud.
Heavenly Father, I acknowledge that I am a sinner, and I need a savior. I’m asking You to forgive me of my sins. I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. I believe He lived, died, and was resurrected to life. I believe that You are the only God and the only way to eternal life. Today, I’m asking You to enter my heart, change my life and lead me by the power of Your Holy Spirit, from this day forward. I need you in Jesus name. Amen.
If you’ve pray this prayer for the very first time, welcome to the kingdom of heaven! The Bible says that the angels rejoice every time someone gives their heart to God. So just imagine the party in heaven, taking place on your behalf!
